Page 27 of Love and Memories

“Anna isn’t like that. She loves being around people, but she doesn’t want to get a place of her own right now because she’s engaged and plans to move in with Dean after they get married.”

Bella covered her face with her hands. She didn’t have many choices, but it would be a million times better to live with Anna than go to a shelter.

“Just let me call her. The worst that could happen would be for her to say no. But if she says yes, then you have a much better place to stay until you figure out where you’re supposed to be.”

Bella raised her head. He was right. It could be the best possible thing that could happen to her at this point if Anna said yes. “Okay. Let’s call her.”

Travis tapped the screen on his phone and rested it on the side of the bed. It rang twice before Anna answered in a sweet, high-pitched voice.

“Hello.”

“Hey, what are you up to?” Travis asked.

“Staring at a pile of paperwork I wish I could set on fire with my laser-beam eyes. You?”

Travis looked up at Bella, and the breath she’d been taking halted in her throat. He was outrageously handsome and sweet enough to melt her heart like warm butter, and he was looking at her like she was the only woman in the world.

Snap out of it!

“Sitting here with Bella.”

“Oh! How is she doing? Tell her I’m planning to come by tomorrow and I need to know her breakfast order,” Anna said.

“She’s okay I think. I have you on speakerphone.”

“Hey, girl! I’ll see you soon. Should I bring any kind of entertainment? You have got to be bored to pieces watching local TV.”

Bella’s shoulders relaxed, and her smile wasn’t strained anymore. “I’m feeling great. Thank you so much, but I think I’m going to be discharged today.”

“That’s the best news! Wait, where are you going? Did you remember where you’re from?”

“I wish I could because now would be a good time to know some things.”

“Come stay with me! I need a roommate, and you’re looking for a place. I have an extra room and clothes. I havetonsof clothes. You can have a whole wardrobe. Please say yes. This will be so much fun!”

Anna sounded genuinely excited, and Bella hadn’t even asked. Anna had offered.

Travis pressed his lips together and smirked. This was one time Bella would gladly let him gloat about being right.

She had a place to go, and just in the nick of time.

“That… that would be amazing. Are you sure it’s okay?” Bella asked.

“Yes, it’s okay! I’ll come get you right now.” The jingling of keys on Anna’s end of the call said she wasn’t kidding.

“I’ll bring her to you,” Travis said. “Thanks for this. I’ll call you when we’re on our way.”

“This is going to be great. I promise to be the best roommate ever,” Anna said.

Bella swallowed hard. This was an answer to prayer she hadn’t even known to pray. “I’ll be the best roommate too. I can’t thank you enough.”

“Travis, get her here before dinner, and I’ll make chicken piccata.”

“Yes, ma’am,” Travis said before saying a quick goodbye and ending the call. “See. I told you she’d be happy to have you.”

Bella’s chin began to quiver, and she lifted the sheet in her lap to cover her face just before the first sob shook her body.

“Whoa. I’m sorry. What’s wrong? What happened?” Travis asked as he stood.

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